Dresden Guide, Germany. Information Tourism. Dresden was known as both the 'Florence of the North' and the 'Venice of the River Elbe' before the allied bombings at the end of World War II destroyed most of this once magnificent Baroque city. But Dresden has managed to restore much of its former glory. The views from the banks of the Elbe and plentiful architectural delights, such as the rebuilt Frauenkirche or the famous Semper Opera, provide glimpses of what today's vibrant Dresden once looked like. With 63 percent of its area devoted to woods and green spaces, Dresden is also one of the greenest cities in Europe. There is a reason why Dresden is one of the most popular German cities to visit. Dresden is a town filled with history and culture, hence the countless museums. Whether you want to pay a visit to a museum dedicated to jewellery, watch a spectacular performance at the opera house or watch the animals in the Dresden Zoo, you can do it in Dresden